“I am really surprised that India had to make 3 changes” – Anil Kumble on team combination for IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test

Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble shared his surprise after India made as many as three changes to their playing XI in the second Test match against New Zealand at Pune. India brought in Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep and left out KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj.

Sundar was added to the Indian squad keeping in mind the number of left-handers in the opposition. The all-rounder also scored a fine knock of 152 runs against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy clash and picked up six wickets in the match.

On the other hand, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj were left out as they were not in the best of forms. Rahul had returned with scores of 0 and 12 in the Bengaluru Test whereas Siraj bagged only two wickets in the previous game.

Anil Kumble said on Jio Cinema, “I thought KL Rahul was at No. 6, but he has been moved up and down the order. Yes, on form, Sarfaraz gets the opportunity. In the scheme of things, as long as the messaging for the three missing players is clear, it’s fine. Otherwise, I am really surprised that India had to make 3 changes. You really had Axar Patel, who probably won the Test series in India not just with the ball, but with the bat. I am a bit surprised that Washington had come in and straightaway made it to the playing XI.”

On the other hand, legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons Kuldeep Yadav was unlucky to miss out in the playing XI and the hosts added Washington Sundar as they are worried about their batting.

“I don’t see a lot of teams making three changes unless there are injury concerns,” he said (as per the aforementioned source). “Washington Sundar inclusion which actually tells you they are worried about their batting. More than his bowling, they need his batting down the order as the cushion. Yes, there is a lot of talk about the left-handers in the New Zealand batting unit, but I would have picked Kuldeep Yadav, who can also turn it away from a left-hander.”

New Zealand are 92-2 at lunch on the opening day of the second Test.